Morris-Commercial CDSW 25-pdr portee

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

I am working on a write-up on the 1939-40 War Office Mechanization Board Rport that w as never published. It mentions a presumably (MCC) CDSW modified by PECO, later of exhaust fame, i.e The Projectile and Engineering Co Ltd, with a body to mount a 25-pounder + 24 rounds + crew + vehicle spares, which would normally be towed behind with a trailer/limber. The cross-country performance was apparently better than the usual tractor because of the extra weight.

I have not seen reference to any 25-pdr Portee of this type before, and surely a 30-cwt/ 1.5 tonner would be struggling? It does not appear that this was ever put into production, and the C.8/FWD 4x4 was used as a tractor, whilst the C.8/MG Mobile Gun 2-pdr Portee was used. My query is whether any lorries, i.e. over 1-ton were used to carry the 25-pdr en portee?

[Paul Ramsden]

There is the well known LRDG 25 pdr portee on a Mack NR6 I think, but I have never seen a picture.
I also read that the 25 pdr was also carried portee on a DUKW at least in trials but again never seen a picture.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

It seems that the WD trialled a MCC CDSW against the new style Quad Ant with all-steel body (the new body was to allow decontamination). The MCC towed a s 25-pdr and carried the trailer load on board, whilst the Quad Ant towed a trailer and gun. In the event it was clear that the 4x4 FAT had the advantage.

I have to say that I have never seen any reference to any other 6x4 carrying the 25-pdr en portee, and clearly it never went any further.

[Les Freathy]

Heres a photo of the proposed LRDG Mack portee, as can be seen this is a very early stage of the development which i am sure did not progress any further. I dont think any gun locks were fitted and it is held in place here by the winch cable a couple of ramps were issued as can be appreciated it would have benn slowand probably unstable
cheers
Les

[Les Freathy]

By the way this picture was taken at 4 base ord workshops on 5th November 1941
Les

[Jan Mostek]

There is another picture of the same Mack.